Page 36 of Wretched Choices

He laughs, shaking his head. “Sure you didn’t. Breakfast will be here soon. I need to shower, and there are a few things we need to discuss.”

I watch him enter the bathroom before I sit and wait. I’m starving because I didn’t eat much yesterday. Mostly because I was nervous. Maybe because I don’t know what the future holds or because of Salvatore himself. What to expect from him, from our marriage, and from myself. Our arrangement is going to end. And when it does, I will do everything I can to keep the promise I made to my mama.

I just hope this marriage will end without my heart and soul getting shattered.

I was so distracted that I didn’t even notice Salvatore in all his handsome glory in his three-piece gray suit exiting the room.

My room.

He walks past me and goes straight to the door, opening it wide as an attendant strolls in with our breakfast. I wait by the window for him to place the food on the table.

A hint of curiosity hits me when I see him smile and say something to Salvatore, to which he gives am a genuine smile and a pat on the shoulder. I wonder what that’s about. Then I remember Salvatore works in hospitality and it’s part of his job to be nice to people. Otherwise, this hotel wouldn’t be successful, which makes me wonder how the big bad mafia don can be attentive by day and a criminal by night.

“You plan on standing there and watching me, or do you want to eat?” he asks with amusement in his eyes.

I roll my eyes and move toward the dining table where breakfast is. “Did you just dress in my room?” I blurt out.

He eyes me for a second as I take a seat at his side. “It’sourroom.”

“Come again?”

“You heard me. And let’s make some ground rules here.” He leans forward. “First, as I said, I will not touch you unless you ask for it.” I swallow, remembering very well how he promised me he would only touch me when I beg him, and he’s sure I will. Not that I can promise myself otherwise. “Second, I can’t afford people talking behind my back. Third, you are my wife. Isn’t that what married people do?”

I raise my chin. “Normal people. But we…”

“This is not a negotiation, Bella.” His eyes hold mine when he speaks. “You lost that right yesterday when you signed your name and became my wife.” He closes his eyes, exhaling. When he opens them, they are dark with lust. “And I don’t think I need to tell you how much I want you. How badly I want your body under mine. But I made you a promise, and I can’t wait for the day when you beg me to fuck you, and it will come. You will surrender to me. And when you do, I will do everything I’ve imagined since the day I touched your skin in my office.”

By the time he finishes his speech, I can only concentrate on the beating of my heart and a warmth that rises from my chest and neck to my face.

I open my mouth to say something, however, I knew from the beginning that I didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. After all, I did agree to marry him. I guess I can be thankful I’m not getting raped like some women.

Not wanting to get into this discussion, I change the subject. One day I will need to confess to myself that I do like him andhow his words make me feel, not to mention his touch. Even if it ends before I can wrap my head around it. But today is not that day.

I avert my eyes from him. “You said we need to discuss things.”

“What do you want? Some pastries, eggs, fruit maybe?” he asks, ignoring me. Suspecting he won’t start until I eat, I take some Danish pastries. “First, we have a dinner we need to attend tonight. Someone will bring you a few dresses to choose from.”

I raise my brow. “I have dresses, and I can buy one myself. No need to send anyone.”

“Your dresses are not here. I would prefer if just this time you choose from the dresses they bring you.”

I take a sip of my coffee, contemplating his request. “Fine. Do I get a personal shopper?”

“Well, something like that. Felicity mostly works with our clients. If you need anything, she can organize it for you.”

I nod. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a business dinner. It was difficult to find an appropriate investor to go into a partnership together. So, this is an important night. Normally, I would take the head of my finance department, but since I have a wife now, I’d better take you. Maybe that will leave a good impression and improve my image.”

“You know what they say. Behind every successful husband is a successful wife.” I smirk

He laughs. “Yeah, well, I hope that saying is true, even if we have only been married for less than twenty-four hours.” He shakes his head. “I will send someone to get the rest of your things. We will stay here for now. If you need something, you call this number and ask for it.” He passes me a card with a number on it. “You need food, drink, whatever you do the same and it will be here as soon as possible.” I stare at the card, confused. Before I can say anything, he passes me another blackcredit card, this time with my name on it. Isabella Catalano. Just reading the name does something to me, not that I will need to use it. I have my own money and don’t need his. But my eyes linger on the first card with the phone number on, and I glance at him.

“We will be staying here? Living in a hotel?”

“Yes, for now. It’s the most convenient. I work here mostly. I have this floor to myself, and only a few people have access.”

“You don’t have a mansion with dozens of bodyguards?”

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